Does an EV need an EV tyre? Find out with Michelin and the Tesla Model Y

Want to take your EV readiness a step further? Michelin has a few tricks up its sleeves.

With around 1.4-million EVs on the UK’s roads today — a figure only set to rise as the nation moves towards an electric future — the questions around suitable tyres were sure to spring up. 

What is an EV-ready tyre? 

Well, you’ve only got to look at Michelin tyres for the answer. All Michelin tyres are EV ready as standard, but that’s not surprising given the emphasis it puts on all the qualities that make a good EV tyre. 

Wherever you stand on the EV movement, there are some undeniable facts. They are heavy: possibly 300-400 kg heavier than an ICE equivalent. Range anxiety is real: even if it’s diminishing. And, electric vehicles are now going further and further: with ranges all the way up to 350 miles becoming commonplace among new models. 

Enter Michelin tyres, the perfect counter to any issues these facts present. Premium to the core, and designed with robustness, strong rolling resistance, and longevity in mind, the Michelin range are a sensible choice for all vehicles, including EVs. So, whatever you’re driving, from a Kia Niro to a Range Rover Evoque, there’s an EV-ready Michelin tyre to match. 

But wait, there’s more. In 2021, the French manufacturer took these qualities a step further, launching the Pilot Sport EV. Having zeroed in on the qualities needed to take electric driving to the next level, this EV specialist rubber was snapped up as the fitment of choice for the current-gen Tesla Model Y — quite a vote of confidence from the historic best-seller. So, with the new Model Y on the rapidly nearing horizon, what better time to see what all the fuss is about?

Why opt for the Pilot Sport EV?  

First up, robustness. With both the old and upcoming Model Y’s packing somewhere around two tonnes of curb weight beneath their sleek exteriors, some resilient rubber goes a long way to safely unlocking their performance potential.

The Pilot Sport EV offers a 15% increase in cornering stiffness to ensure that grip is maintained when tackling curves. This means that handling is not impacted by carrying a battery around — handy whether out on the open road, or navigating the tight city LEZs in which EVs thrive. 

As a bonus, if you’re looking to bring some peace wherever you’re driving — or simply want to tune into your favourite playlist — you can supplement a Tesla’s smooth appearance with a 20% reduction in perceived tyre noise thanks to the Pilot Sport EV’s Acoustic Technology.

Next up, conquering what remains that pesky old range anxiety. The Model Y can currently do much of this on its own, with long-range models boasting up to 373 miles of range (and the upcoming standard model setting a 353-mile benchmark), but again, why stop there?

Combining a ‘GreenPower’ compound on the tyres’ shoulders with a thinner top belt, the Pilot Sport EV keeps rolling resistance down, squeezing out an extra 37 miles of potential range from a charged-up battery.

And finally, what use is all that range without the longevity to match? You guessed it, the Pilot Sport EV has that one covered too. ‘MaxTouch’ technology maximises road contact, spreading the forces generated though acceleration, braking, and cornering evenly across the tyre. 

This protects the precious tread in the long run, supports the environment, and lets you enjoy your drive for longer from the Model Y’s comfy interior.

So does an EV need an EV specific tyre? No, but if you want to take things a step further, the Michelin Pilot Sport EV could be the tyre for you.

Hero image credit: Shutterstock